Cipherlab 308 Usbtors232 Interface Converter Driver Top May 2026

The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 Interface Converter is a specialized cable that allows CipherLab barcode scanners and mobile computers (like the 8000 series) to communicate with a PC via a virtual COM port. 1. Driver Selection

The driver you need depends on the chipset inside the converter. Most CipherLab 308 converters use Silicon Labs (SiLabs) chips, though some older versions may use Prolific.

Primary Choice (Silicon Labs): Most modern CipherLab 308 devices are identified by VID_10C4 & PID_EA60, which corresponds to the Silicon Labs CP210x chipset. You can download these directly from the Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers page.

Official CipherLab Site: You can also check the official CipherLab Download Center for utility-specific drivers like ScanMaster or ProgLoad, which often include the necessary port drivers. 2. Installation Guide

It is critical to install the software before plugging the converter into your computer to avoid "unknown device" errors.

Download & Extract: Download the driver file (usually a .zip or .rar) and extract it to a folder.

Run Setup: Execute the setup.exe or CP210xVCPInstaller_x64.exe file and follow the on-screen prompts.

Connect Hardware: Once the installation "Finish" screen appears, plug the 308 converter into a USB port. Verification: Open Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager). Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section. cipherlab 308 usbtors232 interface converter driver top

You should see "CIPHERLAB 308 USB-to-RS-232 Interface Converter" or "Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge" with an assigned COM Port number (e.g., COM3). 3. Troubleshooting Download - CipherLab

The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 interface converter is a critical bridge for legacy hardware. This adapter allows modern computers without serial ports to communicate with RS232-based devices like barcode scanners and scales. Getting the driver setup right is the most important step for a stable connection. Understanding the CipherLab 308 Converter

The CipherLab 308 is designed for industrial and retail environments. It converts a standard USB signal into a serial RS232 signal. This is essential for connecting older CipherLab mobile computers or scanners to newer laptops and desktops. Bus Powered: No external power supply needed. Plug-and-Play: Recognized as a Virtual COM Port (VCP). Compatibility: Works with most Windows and Linux systems. Top Sources for Driver Downloads

Finding the correct driver ensures that your system assigns a COM port to the device. Using the wrong version can lead to "Device Not Recognized" errors. 1. Official CipherLab Support Portal Always start at the official manufacturer website. Navigate to the Downloads or Support section. Search for "308 Interface Converter" or "USB to RS232."

Download the package specifically for your OS (Windows 10, 11, or Legacy). 2. Prolific or FTDI Chipset Drivers The CipherLab 308 often utilizes third-party chipsets. Check the device hardware ID in Device Manager.

If it uses a Prolific PL2303 or FTDI chip, you can download drivers directly from those manufacturers for the most up-to-date performance. Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to ensure a clean installation of the 308 driver. The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 Interface Converter is a

Disconnect the Device: Do not plug in the 308 converter until the software is installed.

Run as Administrator: Right-click the driver setup file and select "Run as Administrator."

Complete the Wizard: Follow the prompts and restart your computer if requested. Connect the Hardware: Plug the USB end into your PC. Verify in Device Manager: Open "Device Manager." Look under "Ports (COM & LPT)."

Ensure "USB-to-Serial-Comm Port" appears without a yellow exclamation mark. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the driver is installed but the device isn't communicating, check these settings: Incorrect COM Port Assignment

Software often defaults to COM1 or COM2. If the driver assigns your 308 to COM8, you must change the settings in your application to match. Baud Rate Mismatch

The 308 converter must match the baud rate of the serial device it is connected to. You may need the Silicon Labs CP210x driver

Common settings: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. Driver Signature Enforcement

On Windows 10 and 11, unsigned drivers may be blocked. Ensure you are using the "Certified" version of the CipherLab 308 driver to avoid security blocks.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check your cable connections. A loose RS232 thumb screw is the most common cause of intermittent data loss.

3. Use a Powered USB Hub

Some laptops provide insufficient power over USB. The CipherLab 308 converter draws minimal current, but adding a cradle with a scanner can push limits. Use an externally powered USB 2.0 hub.

For Windows 7 / XP (Older TOP systems)

Example: Installing an FTDI-based CipherLab 308 adapter driver on Windows 10

  1. Confirm device is FTDI via Device Manager hardware IDs (VID 0403).
  2. Download VCP driver from FTDI website for Windows 10 x64.
  3. Run installer as Administrator; reboot if prompted.
  4. Plug in device; open Device Manager → Ports → note COM number (e.g., COM4).
  5. Open PuTTY, set Serial line COM4, Speed 9600, click Open — verify communication.

Step 1: Download the Correct Driver

Do not use the mini-CD that shipped with your converter (it is often outdated). Instead:

  1. Go to the official Prolific website (prolific.com.tw) > Support > Driver Downloads.
  2. Select “PL-2303 USB-to-Serial Bridge Controller.”
  3. Download the latest Windows driver package (e.g., PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_vX.X.X.zip).
  4. Alternative: Visit CipherLab’s download center → Legacy Products → 308 Series → USB Converter Driver.

Part 6: Alternatives to the Official Converter Driver

If you cannot make the Prolific-based converter work, consider these top alternatives:

  1. FTDI USB-to-RS232 Adapter (e.g., FTDI TTL-232R) – Not plug-and-play with the CipherLab cradle, but with a gender changer and null modem adapter, it works using FTDI’s superior VCP drivers. More expensive but more reliable.
  2. CipherLab 300 Series USB Direct Cable – Some CipherLab 308 models support a proprietary USB direct cable (no RS232 conversion needed). Check your terminal’s firmware.
  3. Bluetooth Serial Adapter – Attach a Bluetooth RS232 dongle to the CipherLab cradle, then pair with your PC. No USB driver required.

However, for industrial environments where reliability is paramount, the official CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 Interface Converter paired with the top Prolific driver remains the gold standard.